Welcome to the Stratford Library Adult Department.
November Adult Programs
FEATURED PROGRAMS:
Meet the Author: NIKKYA HARGROVE
Saturday, November 1 | 3pm | Lovell Room
Acclaimed Stratford writer and advocate and owner of local bookstore Obodo Serendipity Books Nikkya Hargrove explores generational trauma and the power of breaking cycles of inherited pain during a special presentation based on her new memoir, Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found.
Program is free and open to the public.PROPAGATION STATION – Houseplant Swap
Thursday, November 20 | 6pm | Lobby
Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It’s a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers from beginners to experts are welcome!
Registration required
Meet the Psychic: PATTY GRIFFIN
Monday, November 24 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Patty Griffin is a gifted Psychic medium, intuitive, clairvoyant, empath, Reiki Master, certified Angel Card Reader, and Angel Links Facilitator. She has had this gift her entire life and now embraces it to help you connect with your loved ones, in spirit. At the Library, Patty will discuss her gifts and do select readings of audience members.
Registration required
Concert: SAINT
Sunday, November 30 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Stratford’s own singer/songwriter SAINT returns to the Library for a free concert.
TALKS:
Talk: THE 2025 CONNECTICUT LITERARY ANTHOLOGY
Sunday, November 2 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Enjoy an afternoon of poetry, nonfiction, and fiction from contributors of the 2025 Connecticut Literary Anthology.
Meet the authors, hear their work, and celebrate the vibrant literary talent of the Nutmeg State.
Talk: THE PRIDE & PREJUDICE OF FASHION: Clothing Styles of the Jane Austen Era
Sunday, November 9 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen as we wander through the wardrobes of some of Miss Austen’s most famous characters. Explore the silhouettes of the clothing worn by the ladies and gentlemen of the day, while learning about the accessories they would have used and the reasons behind their usage. Together, we will travel through time to a long-ago era of opulence, social graces, and a gentler way of life.
Talk: IRELAND’S GREAT HUNGER MUSEUM OF FAIRFIELD IRISH FAMINE PRESENTATION
Sunday, November 16 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Irish immigrants who survived the Irish Famine undertook dangerous sea voyages, arriving at the Port of New York filled with hope. Many of those who survived the perilous sea journey settled in Connecticut towns and cities, taking on tough jobs and long hours that built their resilience. Join Educational & Cultural Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum Loretto Leary to delve into Staten Island’s role in Irish Famine immigrant history, their experiences at the Quarantine and the story of Irish Famine immigrants in Connecticut.
WORKSHOPS:
Financial Awareness Foundation: SOCIAL SECURITY
Tuesday, November 4 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Social Security Planning: Many people leave money on the table with Social Security. Gain access to the education, tools and answers you need to make smart decisions and maximize benefits. Presented by Rebecca Miller from the Financial Awareness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to significantly improving financial awareness and literacy.
Workshop: CHAIR YOGA & GUIDED MEDITATION
Thursday, November 6 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Instructor Laurie Trupp leads this unique one hour class that combines gentle chair yoga poses with relaxing guided meditation at the beginning and end of class. The yoga poses will be done seated, as well as standing with the chair used as a prop for balance.
Registration required
Workshop: AARP SAFE DRIVER COURSE
Saturday, November 15 | 10am | Board Room
The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Safe Driver Course”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons improve their driving skills. The one-day class program is the first comprehensive driver retraining course geared to the specific needs of older motorists.
Persons 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of instruction. The course is limited to 20 participates only and there is a nominal fee of $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members charged by the AARP.
Reservations requiredBOOK DISCUSSIONS:
Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, November 3 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others!
Little Gems Book Discussion
Wednesday, November 12 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join the adult book discussion of Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan. Enjoy the local Connecticut setting of this subtle gem of a novel about endings, work relationships, and the poignant details of individual lives.
Copies available at the Checkout Desk.
Registration requiredBook Over Coffee
Wednesday, November 19 | 12 noon | Lovell Room
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
What would you change if you could go back in time? Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time?
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.
CREATE:Crocheting
Saturday, November 1 | 3pm | Children’s Program Room
Wednesday, November 19 | 6pm | Children’s Program Room
Ages 9+ (adults and teens welcome).
Learn basic crochet stitches like single and double chain or bring questions about your current project. This class is perfect for both beginners and others looking to advance their skills. Materials provided.
Registration required
Knit Wits
Wednesday, November 12 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.
Unwind Your Mind
Monday, November 3 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Drop in the first Monday of the month and unwind from your day.
There will be coloring supplies, a big puzzle to work on, craft supplies to play around with, and snacks! Do your own thing or work together, it’s all good.
MOVIES:
Continue reading →
SUPERMAN
Monday, November 17 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Set within a new DC universe. A few years into his heroics, Superman embarks on a personal quest to understand his Kryptonian heritage and mix it with his upbringing as mild mannered Clark Kent. But things get complicated when ruthless industrialist Lex Luthor frames Superman for an international incident and plans to put himself on top by bringing Superman down.
Rated PG-13, 129 minutesOctober Adult Programs
FEATURED PROGRAMS:
DRUMMING FOR WELLNESS
Wednesday October 8 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Join Craig Norton from Hands on Drumming for a 90 minute wellness oriented, participatory drum session. The workshop gives people of all abilities an opportunity to be musical, connect with others, create community and have fun. Drums will be provided. Free, but seating is limited.
Registration required
An Afternoon with the STRATFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
Saturday, October 11 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Join us for a meet and greet with the amazing Stratford Firefighters! Explore the fire truck and boost your knowledge of fire prevention and safety.
Light refreshments will be served
This is an all ages program. Registration required
INTRODUCTION TO SOURDOUGH
Sunday, October 26 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Making your own sourdough bread seems so simple – flour, water, start & salt are all you need – but it is deceptively hard to master. Isabelle Laufer from Wild Rise will teach us what we need to know. And, everyone who attends will get their own sample of starter and a recipe card, ready to go home and turn into fresh bread!
Registration requiredCONCERTS & THEATER:
Concert: THE SURVIVOR’S SWING BAND
Sunday, Oct 5 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Celebrate the Library reopening on Sundays with this nostalgic band playing fabulous music from the Great American Songbook! The Survivor’s Swing Band is a seven-piece ensemble features trumpet, saxophones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
Free and open to the public!
Concert: THE KENN MORR BAND
Saturday, October 12 | 2pm | Lovell Room
The band returns to the Library pleased to be touring in support of its latest release, “Still Shining”. Recorded at Sandy Brook Studios in Colebrook, CT, the album features eleven new songs penned by Morr highlighted by the cohesive playing of the Kenn Morr Band. The result is an organic collection of lush vocal harmonies and sparkling instruments—real musicians playing soulful music in real time.
Theatre: THE WRITE TO VOTE: Short Plays for Discussion
Saturday, October 25 | 3pm | Lovell Room
A reading of three original short plays written by local authors Beatriz Allen, Kit Briner, and Orna Rawls, followed by discussion. Directed by Rachel Babcock and Kit Briner. Featuring Joan Barere. Kit Briner, TJ Chila, Elayne Gordon, John Traggianese, Richard Warren, and Ward Whipple.Performance: HALLOWEEN HAUNTINGS: Two Victorian Tales of Suspense
Tuesday, October 28 | 7pm | Lovell Room
In this unique one-woman show, professional actress Michèle LaRue portrays eight characters in two American tales of ghostly suspense. Written in the days of ominously flickering candles and kerosene lamps, “The Shadows on the Wall” and “The House That Was Not” continue to thrill. The Chicago-born and New Jersey – based LaRue tours nationally with her unique repertoire of century-old American TALES WELL TOLD.TALKS:
Meet-the-Author: ROGER CHIOCCHI
Tuesday, October 7 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Local Stratford author Roger Chiocchi just released his latest book entitled, “The Brushy Ridge Militia” in late May. The book is about a group of bereaved parents who, after their children and loved ones have been killed in a school shooting, pledge themselves to do something about gun violence in the US. Meet the author and learn more about this politically charged thriller.
Sunday Afternoon Talks: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Sunday, October 19 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Arlington National Cemetery, one of America’s most important historical landmarks, is best known for more than 300,000 graves and famous monuments. But before this beautiful spot on the Potomac became a cemetery, guest speaker Cynthia Parzych had a very interesting history entwined with the early history of the Virginia settlement. Her talk, based on her book on the topic, presents the backstory of this iconic spot and highlights some of the stories of the interesting people who lived and were buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Meet-the-Author: DOUGLAS MOSER
SPECIAL FOR HALLOWEEN!!
Monday, October 27 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Connecticut-based, award-winning playwright and theatre director will read selections from his scathingly funny new novel, JAMES AND JIM, inspired by his years working behind the scenes at a prestigious, internationally recognized management consulting firm.WORKSHOPS:
Workshop: CHAIR YOGA & MEDITATION
Thursday, October 9 & 23 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Instructor Laurie Trupp leads this unique one hour class that combines gentle chair yoga poses with relaxing guided meditation at the beginning and end of class. The yoga poses will be done seated, as well as standing with the chair used as a prop for balance.
Registration required
Motivational Workshop: “PUBLIC SPEAKING – OVERCOMING THE FEAR”
Tuesday, October 14 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Nicki Bonn from Bonn Workshops will be here to help you become a better public speaker. In this workshop you will learn how to improve your communication skills and feel more confident when you have to talk in front of a group.
Registration requiredCAREER & TECH HELP:
Career Coach: Organize Your Computer with File Explorer
Tuesday, October 14, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm | Career Coach Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
In this two-hour workshop you will learn how to navigate the File Explorer more effectively, use its search features to quickly find the files you need, become better at organizing your digital files and documents by creating folders, removing files you no longer need and recovering the ones you accidentally deleted.
The same materials are covered in both sessions today.
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm session
BOOK DISCUSSIONS:Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, October 6 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others!
Books on Tap (BOT)
Books, Brews, and Bantor
Tuesday, October 7 | 7pm to settle, 7:30pm to talk
Join us at the Whiskey Barrel located at 251 E. Main St, Stratford.
We will be discussing Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. A year in the life of the unforgettable Catalina Ituralde, a wickedly wry and heartbreakingly vulnerable student at an elite college, forced to navigate an opaque past, an uncertain future, tragedies on two continents, and the tantalizing possibilities of love and freedom.
Copies available at the Checkout Desk.
Don’t Know Much About Book Discussion
Wednesday, October 8 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join the adult book discussion of Blue Light Hours by Bruna Dantas Lobato. From the National Book Award-winning translator, an atmospheric and wise debut novel of a young Brazilian woman’s first year in America, a continent away from her lonely mother, and the relationship they build over Skype calls across borders. Bruna Dantas Lobato paints a powerful portrait of a mother and a daughter coming of age together and apart and explores the profound sacrifices and freedoms that come with leaving a home to make a new one somewhere else.
Copies available at the Checkout Desk, and as a downloadable on Hoopla.
Registration required
Cozy Mysteries Night – NEW!
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:30pm | Board Room
Registration is required, thank you. Share your love of cozy mysteries with other fans! Talk about your favorite fall-themed cozy mystery books! Discover new authors! Enjoy pumpkin spice treats! Grab bookmarks and booklists!
Registration required
Book Over Coffee
Wednesday, October 29| 12 noon | Lovell Room
Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
Classic mystery is an ideal choice for October! This universally acclaimed novel has remained consistently in print since its original publication in 1938 and has frequently been adapted—for television, radio, the theater, and film—most notably in 1940 by Alfred Hitchcock, whose Rebecca received the Academy Award for Best Picture, and in the 2020 Netflix film starring Lily James and Armie Hammer.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.CREATE:
Knit Wits
Wednesday, October 1, 15 & 29 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.Crocheting
Saturday, October 4 | 3pm | Children’s Program Room
Wednesday, October 22 | 6pm | Children’s Program Room
Ages 9+ (adults and teens welcome).
Learn basic crochet stitches like single and double chain or bring questions about your current project. This class is perfect for both beginners and others looking to advance their skills. Materials provided.
Registration requiredUnwind Your Mind
Monday, October 6 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Drop in the first Monday of the month and unwind from your day.
There will be coloring supplies, a big puzzle to work on, craft supplies to play around with, and snacks!
Do your own thing or work together, it’s all good.Propagation Station – Houseplant Swap
Thursday, October 23 | 6pm | Lobby
Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It’s a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers from beginners to experts are welcome!
Registration requiredCricut craft night- Day of the Dead
Thursday, October 30 | 5pm | Lovell Room
Join us in honoring the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by creating beautiful decorative candles. We will provide pre-cut designs and a variety of additional decorations.
This program is for adults 18 and up registration is requiredMOVIES:
Continue reading →
Sinners
Monday, October 13 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as criminal twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
Rated R, 137 minutes
September Adult Programs
FEATURED PROGRAMS:
TURKISH COFFEE TASTING
Saturday, September 13 | 11am | Lovell Room
Immerse yourself in the world of Turkish Coffee. Savor the rich flavors of authentic coffee along with Turkish Delight and snacks, while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for this beloved aspect of Anatolian culture.
Presented by Peace Islands Institute Connecticut (PII-CT), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cross-cultural conversations and fostering a more peaceful, inclusive, and equitable society.
Registration requiredPROPAGATION STATION – Houseplant Swap
Thursday, September 25 | 6pm | Lobby
Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It’s a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers from beginners to experts are welcome!
Registration requiredWORKSHOPS:
Workshop: AARP SAFE DRIVER COURSE
Saturday, September 13| 10am | Board Room
The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Safe Driver Course”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons improve their driving skills. The one-day class program is the first comprehensive driver retraining course geared to the specific needs of older motorists.
Persons 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of instruction. The course is limited to 20 participates only and there is a nominal fee of $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members charged by the AARP.
Reservations required
Workshop: Macramé Wall Hanging
Saturday, September 20 | 10:30am | Lovell Room
Craft instructor Tina Sarno will guide you in how to make your own macramé wall hanging even if you are new to the craft!
Limited to 20 participants.
Registration required
Pop Art Workshop
Tuesday, September 23 | 5:30pm | Lovell Room
American Pop artist Michael Albert will give a short talk and presentation followed by a hands-on collage workshop. Participants will have the chance to create their own masterpieces using Albert’s materials of choice, namely cereal boxes and other colorful cardboard package. Open to all ages!
Registration requiredWorkshop: Chair Yoga & Guided Meditation
Thursday, September 25 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Instructor Laurie Trupp leads this unique one hour class that combines gentle chair yoga poses with relaxing guided meditation at the beginning and end of class. The yoga poses will be done seated, as well as standing with the chair used as a prop for balance.
Registration required
Gardening Workshop: Putting Your Gardens to Bed
Saturday, September 27 | 11am | Lovell Room
Prepare your garden for a restful winter and a flourishing spring! Discover how to extend the life of your perennials, prepare your vegetable beds for next season, and ensure a vibrant return when spring arrives. Join Master Gardener Giulia Gambale to learn best practices for cleaning up your garden and yard and setting them up for success in the spring!
Registration required
CAREER & TECH HELP:Career Coach: RESUMES & COVER LETTERS
Monday, September 8, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm | Career Coach Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
Make your resume shine and position yourself to stand out in the crowd of job-seekers. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your current resume so you can get tips to create a powerful, up-to-date document to land your dream job interview!
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm session
BOOK DISCUSSIONS:Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, September 8 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others!
Little Gems Book Discussion
Wednesday, September 10 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join the “Little Gems” adult book discussion of The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki. Translated from the Japanese bestseller, a charming and magical novel that reminds us it’s never too late to follow our stars. In this charming contemporary fantasy, five characters’ lives intersect. A mysterious pop-up coffee shop helps the characters adapt, move forward, and appreciate their lives.
Copies available at the Checkout Desk, and as a downloadable on Libby.
Registration required
Book Over Coffee
Wednesday, September 24 | 12 noon | Lovell Room
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer – a big-hearted and life-affirming debut about a death doula who, in caring for others at the end of their life, has forgotten how to live her own. Probing, clever, and hopeful, this novel serves as an important reminder that grief and love are two sides of the same coin.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.
Wordy Under 30
Tuesday, September 30 | 6pm | Lovell Room
New book discussion group for adults ages 21 to 30! We’ll read whatever members are interested in reading. Meetings will be fun and relaxed – just conversation and snacks. With this group, we hope to cultivate community and practice making time in our busy lives for activities like reading that bring us wonder and peace.
This month we’re reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, a charming and compulsively readable debut novel about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium–and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.
Copies available at the Check-Out Deck
For questions, email Gawain at: gmosher@stratfordlibrary.org.or call: 203.395.4161CREATE:
Knit Wits
Wednesday, September 3 & 17 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.Unwind Your Mind
Monday, September 8 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Drop in the first Monday of the month and unwind from your day.
There will be coloring supplies, a big puzzle to work on, craft supplies to play around with, and snacks! Do your own thing or work together, it’s all good.Crocheting
Wednesday, September 24 | 6pm | Children’s Program Room
Ages 9+ (adults and teens welcome).
Learn basic crochet stitches like single and double chain or bring questions about your current project. This class is perfect for both beginners and others looking to advance their skills. Materials provided.
Registration required
MOVIES:
Continue reading →
JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH
Monday, September 15 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.
Rated PG-13, 133 minutes
